When you’re creating a brand label for apparel, the tag that bears your name becomes a subtle but powerful brand ambassador. A well-designed woven label tells your brand story, signals quality, and enhances the look of your product. Here’s a comprehensive guide to designing a woven brand label — from right sizing and folding to contrasting colours and readable text. If you’d like to see production options, check out the range of products on our Products page.
1. Getting the Size Right
The size of your label is foundational — too small and the text becomes illegible; too large and you interfere with garment aesthetics or comfort. According to design-guides for woven labels:
- Minimum letter height should be around 1.5 mm (for lower case letters) to maintain legibility when woven. labelpartners.com+1
- The size of the design file needs to reflect actual dimensions (for example submitting art at 300 dpi so 600×300 px means 2.54 cm × 1.27 cm). Dutch Label Shop
- The amount of text you plan to include influences size: more information = larger label or less text. Superlabelstore+1
Practical tip: For many garments, a typical woven brand label might be about 40 mm wide × 20 mm high for a neck label, or smaller for a hem tag (say 25 mm × 12 mm). But always check readability – print a mock-up at actual size and see if it’s clear. As one supplier puts it: “If all elements of the label artwork are well legible on a print-out at the real label size, they will also be legible on the woven label.” labelpartners.com
Another key point: always allow border or margin space around design elements so threads don’t get too close to cutting/sewing edges. At least ~1.5 mm margin is recommended. labelpartners.com
2. Choosing the Right Fold Type
Woven labels can be finished in different fold styles depending on where and how you plan to apply them—neckline, side seam, hem tag, or loop tag. What you choose will influence how your design needs to be laid out. Some common fold types:
- Straight-cut / flat: No fold, plain rectangular label. Ideal when sewn on all four edges or used as a patch. qualitywovenlabels.com+1
- Centre-fold: Label is folded in the middle (horizontally) and sewn into a seam at the fold. The fold edge hides corners and gives a clean finish. qualitywovenlabels.com+1
- Loop-fold: Similar to the centre fold, but the label is sewn through a loop, so the branded face is visible; often used for hanging labels or hem tags. qualitywovenlabels.com
- End-fold / mitre fold: The ends of the label are folded up and then sewn into a seam, leaving the main label hanging free (often used for side seams or decorative branding). qualitywovenlabels.com
Design implication: When you choose a fold type, your artwork file must reflect the fold/bleed allowances. For example, if you have a centre fold, you may need to show mirrored or inverted artwork on the reverse side, or leave sewing allowance at the fold. One manufacturer recommends indicating folds via dashed lines in your upload. Dutch Label Shop
3. Contrast, Colours & Readability
A label can look beautiful, but if people can’t read the text or distinguish your logo because of poor contrast, the effort is wasted. Good contrast, limited colours, and clarity are key. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Colour limitations: Woven labels use thread colours, so you’re typically limited in how many distinct colours you can use. One guideline says: “Don’t use more than 12 individual colours.” Dutch Label Shop+1
- Avoid gradients & fine shading: Because threads are solid colours and woven, gradients, shadows, or photographic images don’t translate well. labelpartners.com+1
- High contrast text/background: For readability, use either light text on dark background or dark text on light background. Avoid mid-tones or low contrast combinations. Superlabelstore+1
- Font choice and size matter: Choose a clean, legible font with enough weight. For small labels, avoid thin script fonts or ultra-condensed type. One rule: handwriting or italic style fonts should be at least 2 mm height. labelpartners.com
Tip for checking readability: Print the label design at actual size in black & white and test legibility from typical viewing distance (e.g., ~30 cm). If it looks blurry or cramped, simplify.
4. Readability & Information Hierarchy
Your label may include your brand name, logo, wash/care info, size, country of origin — but space is limited. Prioritise information and make sure the most important elements are readable. Some best-practice advice:
- Brand name and logo should dominate the design and be instantly recognisable. Labeloom+1
- Secondary text (size, care instructions) should use a simpler font and be smaller, but still above minimum legibility threshold. Use at least 1.5 mm for lower-case letters. labelpartners.com
- Leave clear space around your text and logo. Don’t let decorative elements crowd the layout. Simplicity is key. siennapacific.com
- Avoid cramming too much text into a small label — if the label gets visually cluttered it loses brand impact. Superlabelstore
5. Practical Workflow – From Concept to Production
Here’s a practical workflow that integrates all the above as you move from design to order:
Step 1: Define label usage (e.g., neckline vs side seam). That dictates size and fold type.
Step 2: Choose your dimensions (width × height) and ensure textiles/seams can accommodate.
Step 3: Select fold type (flat, centre-fold, loop, end-fold) and include allowance for sewing and fold in artwork.
Step 4: Prepare artwork: use vector format (e.g., AI, EPS) preferentially; ensure colour codes (Pantone) if brand-matching; layout at the actual size scaling (e.g., 300 dpi). Dutch Label Shop+1
Step 5: Choose thread colours keeping the palette limited (ideally < 8-12 colours). Avoid gradients.
Step 6: Set your typography: ensure minimum letter height, choose legible font, allow margin from edges. Print mock-up at actual size and check.
Step 7: Check contrast: use high contrast text/background, ensure logo readability at small sizes.
Step 8: Place content hierarchy: brand/logo → optional tagline → secondary info (size, care, origin).
Step 9: Review proof from manufacturer, check fold indications, sewing margin, layout. Many suppliers provide a digital proof for approval. qualitywovenlabels.com
Step 10: Order sample (see our Sample page for how this works) to evaluate in real-world use — colours, feel, fit on garment. Make tweaks if needed, then final production.
6. Why It Matters & How It Fits Your Brand
A woven label may seem like a small detail, but it contributes significantly to perceived quality. As one industry article notes: “Woven labels are a cornerstone of branding in the fashion and textile industries… they convey a brand’s identity, enhance the perceived quality of products, and provide essential information.” Labeloom
When a customer sees a crisp, well-woven label with clear text, it sends the message that you care about the details — and brand credibility grows. On the flip side, a label that is blurry, hard to read, or mismatched can downgrade the perception of the garment.
If you’re looking for a label provider with full service – from design guidance through production – we invite you to visit our About Us page for more on our process.
7. Final Checklist: “Is Your Label Ready?”
- Size matches garment placement and is legible at real scale.
- Fold type appropriately chosen and layout accommodates the fold.
- Colour palette limited, high contrast, no gradients.
- Typography is clean, of sufficient size, sufficient margin from edges.
- Brand logo/name is dominant, secondary info is legible but subordinate.
- Artwork file submitted in correct format with required margins and sewing allowance.
- Sample ordered and tested on actual garment for feel, seams, colour fidelity.
- Production ready – colours confirmed, quantity determined, lead-time scheduled.
Want to Learn More?
For additional inspiration and practical tips, don’t forget to check our Blog for articles on label design and production best practices.
Designing a woven brand label is a fusion of craftsmanship and branding — you’re creating a tiny and durable canvas that represents your brand every time it’s worn. With the right size, fold type, contrast and readability, you’ll ensure your label does more than just tag a garment — it reinforces your brand identity. When you’re ready, we’d be happy to help you bring your design to life. For queries or bespoke orders, feel free to Contact us.